Page 60 of Hot Girl Summer

Most of the time, Lauren is a closed book. She’s never delved into her relationship with her fiancé.

“He and his wife had been living separate lives for a long time. But they carried on as they were, both unhappy and going through the motions, neither of them having the guts to say anything.

She pauses to straighten her engagement ring.

“I thought it was a one-way street, a crush, but I wished for us so badly, and I was completely shocked when he told me he’d left her. I mean, nothing ever happened between us until it was all finalised. Even then, I had to constantly fight a battle in my head. I kept thinking that maybe I was just a rebound. I never felt like I was the marrying type, and if you’re not, that’s totally okay. I thought that maybe he would just get bored of me and go back to her.”

She pauses.

“Look, I’m not saying it was easy—it wasn’t—but he was worth the wait.”

I smile. “I just don’t know how I'm supposed to know what I want when I’m used to skipping the feelings part and going straight to sex. What if I’m chasing something IthinkI want?”

A moment passes, and I take a breath. “When I was on that course, I met this girl, Ellie. She read my tarot, and the cards basically said that I’ll find my true happiness living a free spirited lifestyle. With Danny, I feel that freedom, like I can completely be myself around him. I’ve never felt a connection like that. Never had someone in my corner like that. I mean, it’s different to how lust feels. Infatuation, perhaps? I really can’t explain it.”

“So, what’s the problem?”

“I can’t help feeling like I’m out of my league. I don’t have any expensive hobbies or go to fancy restaurants. I’ve never even been outside of Europe.” I pause. “Belle, she’s otherworldly gorgeous, and she’s obviously super smart. She has a great job, and she seems like she’s a great mum...”

“You don’t even know if that little girl is theirs. She could have been babysitting. Trust me, being the wicked stepmother isn’t something I ever thought I’d have to do, but I love the twins, and of course they have their moments, but I’m pretty sure that they love me too.

“It doesn’t have to be difficult, and you can’t make huge life decisions based on a deck of cards. We create our own happiness, and if things are meant to be, they’ll work out. You just have to want them enough, and believe that you deserve it. Life’s too short for regrets. Be bold. There’s no shame in going after the things you want.”

“Thanks, Lauren.”

Of course my boss is right. Now I can only hope that I’m wrong about the little girl. There’s no denying that children complicate things, and I still don’t know where I stand with Danny, let alone entertain the idea of being the wicked stepmother. After a five minute crisis meditation in the staff toilets, I’m ready to do what I do best—create a kickass tutorial.

I feel ridiculous for wearing a full face of makeup to yoga practice, but I wouldn’t have had time to reapply before meeting Danny at the studio, and although I don’t want to admit it, seeing Belle in the flesh has knocked my confidence. I need my game face on.

When I arrive at Unit 5B, I raise my hand to knock, but the melody playing on the other side inspires me to stop. I let myself in, closing the door softly behind me. Danny is sitting on the couch, guitar in hand with his eyes closed.

I slip off my backpack, and set my helmet down on the floor. Leaning against the door, I watch him play a sweet, soft melody. The tune is familiar, and it only takes me a few bars to recognise it as Peer Pressure—the James Bay cover that Monty and Imani sang at the concert. This version of him, raw, emotional, serious, and soft, is refreshing to see, and I can’t help but smile.

He opens his eyes, and the music trails off, reaching a natural end as a slow smile spreads across his face, deepening his dimples and the lines around his eyes.

“Hey,” he says.

“Sorry, I should have knocked.”

Leaning across the arm of the couch, he switches off the amp and unplugs his guitar, resting it against the sofa. Rising, he walks towards me, twirling a plectrum between his fingers, stopping inches from my face.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” he says.

The butterflies awaken and I say nothing. I don’t know what he’s about to ask, and I’m not sure I want to.

“Do you like to watch? Or be watched?”

Under the weight of his gaze, I cast my eyes down, and attempt to swallow the lump that’s forming in my throat. I wasn’t expecting that, even after knowing the way he feels now. It’s a pretty bold thing to say. Warmth spreads through my body, and I throw my focus on his hands, watching the way the pick rotates between his nimble fingers. It’s calming. Grounding.

Looking up through my lashes, my eyes meet his honey green gaze. I want to reach out to touch his face. To run my fingers along his jawline and pull him towards me.

“Is there an option three?” I ask.

He shakes his head with a Marlon Brando smirk I could easily become obsessed with.

“No.”

“Then both, I suppose.”

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